It’s been a rocky year for British department store chain BHS, which closed the last of its 160 stores in the UK this summer.

But after being bought by Qatar-based Al Mana Group in June, the retailer is now planning an international expansion.

According to the Telegraph, Al Mana is finalizing contracts with three new franchise partners in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

It is also in discussions with “many others,” CEO David Anderson said this week.

He was quoted by the National as adding that what didn’t work in the UK may still be profitable in other nations:

“Bricks and mortar isn’t performing well in the UK, but there are economies across the world that are stronger than others.

We have just opened a logistics hub in Dubai to facilitate supplying our international stores which shortens our supply line by four to six weeks. I’m expecting strong growth.”

Thoughts?